THE developer of The Stria, a high-rise condominium and resort project in Santa Fe, Bantayan Island, defended Friday, Aug. 15, 2025, the legality of its development amid public outcry.
In a statement, Fifth Avenue Property Development Corp. addressed concerns over building permits, environmental compliance and height restrictions. It said the project has complied with all legal requirements and obtained the necessary permits from various government agencies.
“There is nothing illegal about the development of The Stria,” it said.
Fifth Avenue further said the Santa Fe Municipal Government supported the project by passing Municipal Ordinance 14-2023, which allowed the construction of an “11-storey mixed-use commercial and residential project.”
The statement also addressed media reports about height restrictions, calling them “no farther from the truth.”
It pointed to a Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ (DENR) administrative ruling, Department Administrative Order (DAO) 2009-09, which, according to the developer, does not directly prohibit the construction of structures taller than 10 meters on private property.
Fifth Avenue said the DAO applies only to “government properties categorized as ‘protected zones.’”
A height clearance permit from the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (Caap) was also secured, which the statement said indicates “the height of the Stria poses a non-issue for purposes of aviation authorities.”
Titled property
Fifth Avenue said its project has a clear title to its property, citing Torrens Certificate of Title (TCT) 102-2021002485.
“The Torrens title of the property shows that it is clean and does not indicate any restriction as to the use of the subject property,” it said.
The Stria also secured an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC-OL-R07-2022-0417) and a License to Sell (LTS 0002203) from the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development.
Fifth Avenue said the issuance of the LTS “shows that it has complied with all needed approvals and documentation.”
According to the developer, the project observes more than a 20-meter easement from the shoreline, which is beyond the legal requirement.
The statement said that in this aspect, “Stria is the most compliant” compared to other developments on the island.
The company also said it has put in place a sewage treatment plant and a materials recovery facility as part of its environmental commitment.
Fifth Avenue said that it has been open about its plans, conducted public consultations and obtained all required approvals and licenses. / CDF